King Lear
William Shakespeare
An aging King decides to divide his kingdom among his three daughters based on their flattery. When his youngest daughter refuses to play along he banishes her triggering a descent into madness as his other daughters betray him. The play is a devastating examination of family cruelty old age and the indifference of the universe. It is often cited as Shakespeare’s most demanding and profound tragedy regarding human suffering.
King Lear: A proud monarch who learns the value of humanity only after losing his sanity and status. Goneril and Regan: Lear’s eldest daughters who represent cold-hearted ambition and the betrayal of filial duty. Cordelia: Lear’s youngest daughter who represents selfless love and integrity in a world of corruption.
First Performance: 1606, at Whitehall Palace
Regarded as a powerful but difficult work; famously rewritten with a happy ending in the 17th century before the original was restored.
Original Actors: Richard Burbage